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Feb 16, 2013

Weapons & Warriors: The Ballistic Knife of the Russians

Art by TL Jeffcoat

This week, I wrote about a weapon that is not so much an ancient weapon, but something unique and very cool. If you are looking into getting one of these bad boys for your collection, be aware of the laws for your ares. I was searching for one of these to add to my collection, but after learning about several laws banning this knife in most of the USA, I have decided to instead write about it for Weapons & Warriors.

It is a
common belief that the Spetsnaz (Russian Special Forces) were trained and skilled in using Ballistic
Knives. I have never found any trustworthy verification that the Ballistic Knife training was anything more than rumor or propaganda. However, I did find
plenty of information about the Spetsnaz training in throwing knives to quietly
eliminate enemies out of reach without making too much noise. Since the Russian
variation of the Ballistic Knife is spring loaded, it’s pretty quiet, and
therefore it is possible that the Spetsnaz also master firing the Ballistic
Knife alongside throwing knives. Aside from the show the Deadliest Warrior
using the Ballistic Knife as a Spetsnaz weapon, I found a couple sources that speculated
the Spetsnaz trained with the weapon, but rarely used them.

The
Ballistic Knife is not like other knives. It's a hybrid knife, but it's not a
firearm. The handle of the knife is a hollow tube. A spring that is twice the
length of the handle when not compressed is crammed inside and held by the
blade once it's locked into position. The switch is small and easily flipped
with the thumb. Unlike several versions made in other countries, the Russian
model did not rely on gunpowder or explosives to fire the blade. The blade can
be reloaded by sliding it back into the spring until it locks into place.

As long
as the blade is locked into position, the knife acts as a typical knife. It can
be used to slash, stab, or cut without any problems. A spring loaded Ballistic
Knife is much quieter than a firearm version, but it is not as accurate at a
distance. In longer range situations, a throwing knife would still be the best
way to eliminate a patrol quietly. The most ideal situation for a Ballistic
Knife would be with the element of surprise.

With
training, a soldier could learn to fire the knife at close range while holding
it like he would a knife he's going to stab with. The unsuspecting enemy will
believe he's at a safe distance while out of arm's reach. The flying blade from
a Ballistic Knife can strike with enough force at 15 feet ( or 5 meters) to
penetrate clothing and light armor. If a man is hit in the face with one of
these, even if the blade turns in the air, it will strike with enough force to
at least stun the target. That one second, is enough time for the Spetsnaz to
close the range and neutralize his enemy by some other means.

I hope you enjoyed this
edition of Weapons and Warriors, click here to view the entire catalog of
weapons and cultures. Thank you, see you next week.

Disclaimer

All photographs and artwork on this blog are owned by TL Jeffcoat or Steven DeVon Jones, the only exceptions being the background, book covers or movie posters linked from Photobucket, and the photos used from the WANACommons or Wikipedia which are all labeled as such. If you would like to use any of the artwork, please let TL Jeffcoat know and he will more than likely oblige.

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